Pitch

Aku, Rebirth of Shadows is a 2D metroidvania blending action and exploration with a contemplative atmosphere. Step into the shoes of Aku, a young dragon navigating a poetic and mysterious world known as Ora. The art direction immerses players in an experience where every visual and musical detail contributes to the magic of the journey. In a world ravaged by Shadows, Aku embarks on a quest to free the ancient Guardians — majestic dragons corrupted by darkness — in order to restore light to this broken world.

Description

Aku, Rebirth of Shadows is a video game that immerses players in a rich and captivating imaginary world. Born from a childhood dream, this project blends artistic and narrative elements to create a unique experience. Ambitious yet deeply personal, the game takes players on an adventure through a fantastical universe where shadow and light clash.

Created by Aurélie, Aku, Rebirth of Shadows reflects her journey from exploring various artistic fields, including music, drawing, theater, and video, to diving into video game development in 2019. Though new to game design, she learned through books and tutorials, ultimately combining her creative experiences into an interactive and immersive game that stands out in the indie scene.

History

The development of Aku, Rebirth of Shadows began in the winter of 2019, when Aurélie decided to channel her passion for storytelling and creativity into video games. Despite having no prior experience in game design, she quickly immersed herself in learning, driven by her vision to bring an imaginary world to life.

In 2024, as the project gained momentum, Aurélie and her partner, Ludovic Sartori, established Once Upon a Time SNC to give the game a more professional structure. Ludovic, a sound engineer, took charge of composing and mixing the original soundtrack and overseeing the project’s promotion. Together, they ensured that Aku, Rebirth of Shadows grew both creatively and professionally, while remaining true to its deeply personal roots.

Team

Aurélie Haymoz [Shada] – Creative Director & Lead Developer

• Game Design & Level Design: Conceptualizing gameplay mechanics, systems, and level structures
• Art Direction: Designing characters, environments, props, animations, and cinematics
• Project Management: Overseeing the development pipeline, coordinating tasks, and ensuring milestones are met.
• Narrative Design: Writing the story, dialogues, and world-building
• Composer: Creating original musical themes and soundtracks
• Community Manager: Managing social media accounts and engaging with the community

Ludovic Sartori – Audio Lead & Communications Manager

• Sound Designer & Audio Engineer: Crafting sound effects, mixing, and mastering the original soundtrack
• PR & Communications: Handling press relations and promotional activities
• Community Manager: Managing social media accounts and engaging with the community